The weather was great on November 3rd.
I have been long attracted to this Daimyo procession event, finally this day arrived! We took a train from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station, planned to watch the procession at 2 p.m around Hakone-Yumoto Station. The place was crowded with people, there were so many people more than I had expected. I felt like a sardine stuck in a can, can not move around freely.

After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, I walked along side the Onsen street. There were many traditional food shops in the street, I was attracted to the dessert in the shops. There were shops sell Yubamaki (Tofu skin rolls) and Kamaboko (fish made cured surimi) which is a famous treat of Odawara. After finished my lunch at a Ramen restaurant, we continued to walk around.

We found a nice position and wait there for the procession to arrive. There were many spectators in various skin colors standing at each roadside with expectations in their eyes.
Music was heard from the far end of the street, people started to get exciting. We stretched our necks, looking toward the street, I saw a group of children playing drums and trumpets is now approaching. These kids were so skilled at trumpets and drums which made me felt ashamed when I recalled my give up with ukulele.

The next group approaching the street was a army band from the army of United States, which caused a ground applause from spectators. The procession was followed by other groups, after a while, finally the group dressed in traditional Japanese costume arrived!


The costumes and tools they used were unfamiliar to me, but I was so excite to watch the team passing. If you wave your hands toward the performers, they will wave back to you, it was so nice of them.
After all group of daimyo procession arrived, the ceremony came to the climax. There were many Samurai wearing different costumes in various color and style which although I am no so sure, I assume must indicate various ranks and positions of Samurai. persons who perform Daimyo (feudal rulers) were waving the fans in their hands vigorously.


Japanese style sedan chair ridden by Daimyo. Of course the inner side is hollow!

It was followed by his wife and other ladies. Japanese women looked gentle and graceful. They smiles in a elegant way.
This was my favorite part of the procession with gorgeous costumes as well as fantastic dance shows.



After the procession left the place we were standing, people gathered there started to leave. I and my friends continued to follow the procession for a while, we reached Hydrangea Flower Bridge and continued to watch the parades for a while.

Under the bridge was a creek which formed a beautiful waterfalls. Many people was enjoying picnic at the side of the creek. After sun set, the temperature dropped, so finally we left for home.

The trip sure will be always be a beautiful memory of Hakone for me.

Hakone Daimyo Procession

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